Beachburg / Pembroke

Melinda Wood

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Melinda Wood.

Hi, Melinda! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello! My name is Melinda, and I live with my fiancé, our two daughters, and a slew of animals in Beachburg.

I have lived in the valley my entire life (Pembroke) and spent most of my rowdy teenage years in Beachburg with my best friends. I always believed I was going to “get out of the Valley,” but after living in Ottawa twice for school, nowhere else felt like home.

I have worked various jobs providing service to our community, but my proudest was working at Bernadette McCann House for abused women and children. I clearly remember leaving my interview, speaking with my soon-to-be manager about how I had recently found an old bucket list from when I was a teenager, and on the top of that list was working with victims of abuse. I was blessed to work there for a few years before landing a job with the Pembroke Regional Hospital as a mental health caseworker.

I have served so many people in our community in almost all of our offices located throughout the county. Over the past eight years, I have felt so blessed to hear so many people’s vulnerable stories and assist with providing support. I don’t think I could do anything else — it truly is an extension of who I am.

What is your least favourite household chore?

By far my least favourite household chore is putting away laundry. I don’t think I’ve had any empty baskets in a very long time. My partner would say it’s because I have too many clothes, but I would say that it allows for easy access.

What three adjectives do you think your family and friends would use to describe you?

I think the first one most of them would say is determined — others may say stubborn. I have “I will never faulter, I will stand my ground” forever tattooed on my feet, so that probably answers that. Secondly, empathetic. I care for everyone around me, and I think this resonates in my work experience. I am always the one people come to for advice, and random people always open up to me. And lastly — hardworking. I have worked hard for everything I have. My life circumstances were not always easy, and I believe I am where I am because I worked extremely hard to get there.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to go to England. I am obsessed with the architecture, the accents, and the culture. I blame that on watching a lot of British YouTubers, but it just looks so bloody lovely!

What strange food combination do you most enjoy?

I thank my oldest brother for this creation — peanut butter and Cheez Whiz on toast. It’s amazing. Don’t yuck my yum unless you try it. He has convinced many people to come to the dark side once they were willing to try it.

Who is the best-known celebrity you have ever seen in person?

I was blessed to meet Jamie Brewer from American Horror Story while attending Carleton University. She did a wonderful job speaking on being a professional actor with Down Syndrome/disabilities. It was such a pleasure to meet her, and she was the kindest soul. It was the closest to Jessica Lang and Ryan Murphy I will ever get.

What is the worst colour ever invented? Why?

Lime green. It reminds me of snot. It didn’t need to be invented.

Would you rather be a bird or a fish? Why?

I would love to be a bird. They have so much freedom. You can fly anywhere you want!

If you could be on any reality TV show, which one would you choose? Why?

The Traitors — hands down. I would also want to be a traitor. I love anything related to a social experiment, and I love watching people react and figuring out what they are thinking. I would have an absolute blast.

What decade do you wish you had experienced? Why?

A running family joke is that I should’ve been a teenager in the 80s. I love crazy coloured/styled hair, the fashion — the Cindy Lauper of it all. All of my favourite movies are from the 80s. I would’ve wanted to be best friends with Molly Ringwald and go on adventures with the Goonies. Also, really great music.

What do you miss the most about being a kid?

Honestly, sleeping in. I have a five- and almost three-year-old. I haven’t slept in years.

Thanks for sharing with us, neighbour Melinda.

If you enjoyed our chat with Melinda Wood, you may want to subscribe below and meet a new neighbour from the Upper Ottawa Valley every week.

Next week, we will welcome Kasia Maves.